Edward Daniel McKenna

Daniel McKenna, 83, Moorhead, MN, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Sanford Health, Fargo surrounded by his family. He was born on March 7, 1932 in Valley City, ND to Daniel D. and Mary (Wilkes) McKenna.   He was educated at St. Catherine’s School in Valley City. After graduation, he signed up for college classes at Valley City State Teacher’s College (now known as Valley City State University) and attended only a few weeks before enlisting in the Air Force. He did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and spent the remainder of his time in Japan as an AACS (Airways and Air Communication Services) Specialist. Upon his discharge in 1954, he returned to VCSTC and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Math (1957) and then enrolled at North Dakota State Agricultural School (now known as North Dakota State University) and received another bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Dan was united in marriage to Mary Ann Peckskamp on December 29, 1955 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, MN. He began working for Shell Oil as a Chemist in Woodriver, IL and was there for five years. The family moved to Kenosha, WI and Dan taught Chemistry at Bradford High School for four years. In 1967 after earning his Master’s Degree from Duke University, he became an instructor in Chemistry at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He received his Doctorate at The University of Georgia in Science Education in 1972, and became the Director of Cooperative Education at Concordia in 1979. He held this position until his retirement in 1995. He was honored with a National Teaching Fellowship to work in Georgia for one year, the National Cooperative Association Educator of the Year in 1997, and the Certificate of Merit as a graduate of VCSC. He was active in the Scouting Program from Cubs to Explorers, Campfire Boys and Girls and PTA. He served as President and was active in the state, regional and national offices of the Cooperative Education Associations. He held elected positions in various Science Education Associations and was involved in numerous Science Fairs. He also taught teaching methodology. He spent many summers at various campuses involved in Science Education throughout the years. He loved fishing and boating during the summers spent at Leaf Lake, MN. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann, Moorhead, MN; children, Daniel (Teri) McKenna, Detroit Lakes, MN, and their son, John McKenna, New York City, NY; Kathleen (Kenley) Just, Moorhead, MN, and their daughters, Brianna Just, St. Paul, MN, Brittney (fiancé Jordan Klovstad) Just, Virginia Beach, VA and Brooke Just, Menomonie, WI; Patrick (Kristi) McKenna, Papillion, NE, and their children, Dustin McKenna, Lincoln, NE and Nicole McKenna, Charlottesville, VA; Ann (David) Suits and their children, Benjamin and Sarah, all of Robbinsdale, MN and brother, Joseph (Linda) McKenna, Valley City, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James McKenna and sister, Isabelle Peterson. Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Boulger Funeral Home with visitation starting at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 31, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. Burial: St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Valley City, ND.